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The development of anticancer diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is of crucial importance to improve efficacy and therapeutic specificity. Here, we describe the synthesis and characterization of fluorescent self-assembling nanomicelles (NMs) based on a biocompatible polysaccharide (cellulose, CE) functionalized with a tetraphenyl ethylene derivative (TPEHy) and loaded with Doxorubicin (DOX) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties and pH-dependent drug release. We obtained CE-TPEHy-NMs with an average diameter of 60 ± 17 nm for unloaded NMs and 86 ± 25 nm for NMs loaded with DOX, respectively. Upon testing different conditions, we obtained an encapsulation efficiency of 86% and a loading capacity of 90%. A controlled dialysis experiment showed that the release of DOX after 48 h is minimal at pH 7.4 (11%), increasing at pH 6.5 (50%) and at its maximum at pH 4.5 (80%). The cytotoxicity of blank and loaded CE-TPEHy-NMs at increasing concentrations and different pH conditions was tested on a MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell line. Based on viability assays at pH 7.4, neither unloaded nor loaded CE-TPEHy-NMs exerted any inhibition on cell proliferation. At pH 6.5, proliferation inhibition significantly increased, confirming the pH-dependent release. We characterized and studied the performance of CE-based amphiphilic, biocompatible NMs for controlled drug release in acidic conditions, such as tumor microenvironments. Further studies are required to optimize their synthesis process and to validate their antitumoral properties in vivo.

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC). This study aimed to carry out a Knowledge, Attitude and Perception survey on HPV infection, HPV+ OPSCC, and HPV vaccination among Italian dental students. Methods Through an online self-administered questionnaire consisting of 82 questions, data on dental students’ sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions concerning HPV+ OPSCC, infection and vaccination were acquired. A statistical analysis, based on their year of attendance (early career, from 1st to 3rd year vs. late career, from 4th to 6th year) was also conducted. Results A total of 412 dental students completed the questionnaire. Knowledge of HPV+ OPSCC was reported by 61% of early-career students and 73% of late-career students, with high awareness of the HPV-OPSCC correlation in both groups (85% vs. 89%, respectively). The percentage of correct responses regarding HPV infection knowledge was 61% for early-career and 73% for late-career students, while vaccine knowledge was 70% and 78%, respectively. Over 90% of students acknowledged the dentist’s role in educating patients about HPV and OPSCC, and attitudes toward discussing HPV and vaccination were positive. However, only about half would recommend the vaccine to either gender. Statistically significant differences were found between early- and late-career groups across all knowledge sections (p

Abstract Several orofacial painful conditions are influenced by gender-related factors, but no studies are available with regard to Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). The present study aimed at investigating gender differences among BMS patients and their influence on pain perception. 242 BMS males (BMSm) and 242 BMS females (BMSf) matched for age were consecutively enrolled. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded and the numeric rating scale (NRS), the Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), the Hamilton rating scale for anxiety and depression (HAM-A, HAM-D), the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were administered. The BMSm presented statistically significant higher levels of education and rate of employment compared to the BMSf (p-values: 0.001**). Moreover, the BMSm were greater consumers of alcohol and had a higher BMI than the BMSf (p-values:

Abstract Objectives Special needs dentistry (SND) is a vast and fragmented field of study. This comprehensive bibliometric analysis aimed to evaluate the scope of SND, including the existing knowledge base, distribution structure, quantitative relationships, and research trends. Material and Methods A systematic search was conducted on March 10, 2022, using the Web of Science Core Collection database, covering the period from 1985 to 2021, focusing on studies reporting on special needs populations in a dentally relevant context. Records were title‐screened and analyzed for key bibliometric indicators. Results Among 48,374 articles, 13,869 underwent bibliometric analysis. Peak SND research occurred during 1985–1997. United States led in productivity, trailed by Brazil and Japan. University of Sao Paulo excelled in Brazil, University of Washington and University of North Carolina in the United States. The Journal of Dental Research was the most productive source of research and also had the highest number of citations, followed by Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Keyword analysis revealed that “elderly”, “caries”, and “epidemiology” were the most commonly used author keywords. Conclusions This study represents the first bibliometric analysis of SND literature. It emphasizes the need for increased collaboration between institutions and authors. Furthermore, it suggests focusing on research input from non‐dental disciplines and populations with rarer intellectual or developmental conditions.

Abstract Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an immune-mediated inflammatory chronic disease of the oral mucosa, with different patterns of clinical manifestations which range from keratotic manifestations (K-OLP) to predominantly non-keratotic lesions (nK-OLP). The aim of the study was to analyze the differences in the clinical, psychological profile and symptoms between Italian patients of the North and Central-South with K-OLP and nK-OLP. Methods 270 K-OLP and 270 nK-OLP patients were recruited in 15 Italian universities. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and for Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were administered. Results The Central-South K-OLP (CS-K-OLP) patients reported a higher frequency of pain/burning compared with the K-OLP patients of the North (N-K-OLP) with higher scores in the NRS and T-PRI (p value

In exploring chronic orofacial pain (COFP), this review highlights its global impact on life quality and critiques current diagnostic systems, including the ICD-11, ICOP, and ICHD-3, for their limitations in addressing COFP’s complexity. Firstly, this study outlines the global burden of chronic pain and the importance of distinguishing between different pain types for effective treatment. It then delves into the specific challenges of diagnosing COFP, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach that incorporates the biopsychosocial model. This review critically examines existing classification systems, highlighting their limitations in fully capturing COFP’s multifaceted nature. It advocates for the integration of these systems with the DSM-5’s Somatic Symptom Disorder code, proposing a unified, multidisciplinary diagnostic approach. This recommendation aims to improve chronic pain coding standardization and acknowledge the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in COFP. In conclusion, here, we highlight the need for a comprehensive, universally applicable classification system for COFP. Such a system would enable accurate diagnosis, streamline treatment strategies, and enhance communication among healthcare professionals. This advancement holds potential for significant contributions to research and patient care in this challenging field, offering a broader perspective for scientists across disciplines.

BackgroundThe relationship between hypertension (HTN) and chronic pain is still a matter of debate, and its prevalence in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) has never been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HTN in women with BMS and to evaluate its relationship with potential predictors such as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, pain, and mental health status analyzing differences with healthy women.MethodsIn total, 250 women with BMS (WBMS) were prospectively recruited and compared with an equal number of healthy women (HW) matched for age. Education, body mass index, smoke and alcohol consumption, intensity and quality of pain, and psychological profile were further investigated to identify the potential predictors of HTN. Specifically, pain assessment [the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ)] and psychological assessment [Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)] was carried out for the participants.ResultsHTN was found in 128 (51.2%) WBMS and 76 (30.4%) HW (p < 0.001**). The scores of the NRS, SF-MPQ, HAM-D, HAM-A, and PSQI were statistically significantly higher in the WBMS than in the HW (p < 0.001**). A strongly linear correlation between HTN and employment status, systemic diseases, and education level (p < 0.001**) was found in WBMS, while a strong correlation between HTN and employment status, hypercholesterolemia, systemic diseases, and drug consumption was found in HW (p < 0.001**). No statistically significant correlation was found between HTN and pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.ConclusionThese results suggest that WBMS showed a higher prevalence of HTN compared with controls. Unemployed WBMS with lower education and other systemic comorbidities are at an increased risk of developing HTN. HTN is associated with alteration in the vascular structure and function of the brain, and these processes accelerate brain aging, which contributes to a reduction in intracortical connectivity, thus affecting the modulatory system of control of pain in patients with BMS, independently of their mental health assessment. Predictors that may underlie this association remain unclear, taking into account the differences found in HW, and should be further elucidated.

BackgroundWhite matter hyperintensities (WMHs) of the brain are observed in normal aging, in various subtypes of dementia and in chronic pain, playing a crucial role in pain processing. The aim of the study has been to assess the WMHs in Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) patients by means of the Age-Related White Matter Changes scale (ARWMCs) and to analyze their predictors.MethodsOne hundred BMS patients were prospectively recruited and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Their ARWMCs scores were compared with those of an equal number of healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Intensity and quality of pain, psychological profile, and blood biomarkers of BMS patients were further investigated to find potential predictors of WMHs. Specifically, the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Hamilton rating scale for Depression and Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were administered.ResultsThe BMS patients presented statistically significant higher scores on the ARWMCs compared to the controls, especially in the right frontal, left frontal, right parietal-occipital, left parietal-occipital, right temporal and left temporal lobes (p-values:

Background: Invasive dental treatment in patients exposed to antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs can cause medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Currently, the exact pathogenesis of this disease is unclear. Methods: In March 2022, Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, and Web of Science were screened to identify eligible in vitro studies investigating the effects of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic compounds on orally derived cells. Results: Fifty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Bisphosphonates were used in 57 studies, denosumab in two, and sunitinib and bevacizumab in one. Zoledronate was the most commonly used nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate. The only non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate studied was clodronate. The most frequently tested tissues were gingival fibroblasts, oral keratinocytes, and alveolar osteoblasts. These drugs caused a decrease in cell proliferation, viability, and migration. Conclusions: Antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs displayed cytotoxic effects in a dose and time-dependent manner. Additional research is required to further elucidate the pathways of MRONJ.

Background: Due to its common association with chronic pain experience, cognitive impairment (CI) has never been evaluated in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of CI in patients with BMS and to evaluate its relationship with potential predictors such as pain, mood disorders, blood biomarkers, and white matter changes (WMCs).Methods: A case-control study was conducted by enrolling 40 patients with BMS and an equal number of healthy controls matched for age, gender, and education. Neurocognitive assessment [Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Digit Cancellation Test (DCT), the Forward and Backward Digit Span task (FDS and BDS), Corsi Block-Tapping Test (CB-TT), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Copying Geometric Drawings (CGD), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Trail Making A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B)], psychological assessment [Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)], and pain assessment [Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), Total Pain Rating index (T-PRI), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and Pain DETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q)] were performed. In addition, blood biomarkers and MRI of the brain were recorded for the detection of Age-Related WMCs (ARWMCs). Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U-test, the Pearson Chi-Squared test and Spearman's correlation analysis were used.Results: Patients with BMS had impairments in most cognitive domains compared with controls (p < 0.001**) except in RAVLT and CGD. The HAM-D, HAM-A, PSQI, ESS, SF-36, VAS, T-PRI, BPI and PD-Q scores were statistically different between BMS patients and controls (p < 0.001**) the WMCs frequency and ARWMC scores in the right temporal (RT) and left temporal (LT) lobe were higher in patients with BMS (p = 0.023*).Conclusions: Meanwhile, BMS is associated with a higher decline in cognitive functions, particularly attention, working memory, and executive functions, but other functions such as praxis-constructive skills and verbal memory are preserved. The early identification of CI and associated factors may help clinicians to identify patients at risk of developing time-based neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD), for planning the early, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary assessment and treatment.